5-Day Nature Itinerary in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Day 1: Exploring Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Dastarkhan

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of traditional Kazakh dishes like kazy and baursaks.
Located in the center of Almaty, easily reachable by taxi.
KZT2000, 1 Hour

9:30 AM

Visit Big Almaty Lake

A short drive leads you to the stunning Big Almaty Lake, perfect for morning hikes and taking in the turquoise waters.
Drive approximately 25 km southeast from the city center.
Free, 2 Hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Alasha Restaurant

Savour local flavours with a light lunch featuring lagman and plov.
Return to Almaty city center, approximately 30 minutes drive.
KZT2500, 1 Hour

1:30 PM

Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral

Explore the beautiful Panfilov Park followed by a visit to the stunning wooden Zenkov Cathedral.
Located in the city center, a quick taxi ride will take you there.
Free, 1.5 Hours

3:30 PM

Visit Green Bazaar

Stroll through the vibrant Green Bazaar, soaking up local culture and grabbing snacks.
Walking distance from Panfilov Park.
Free (snacks at own cost), 1 Hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Kolba

Enjoy a culinary delight with grilled meat dishes and fresh salads.
Located a short distance from the bazaar; take a taxi.
KZT3500, 1.5 Hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Nature

Almaty, Kazakhstan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Moka

Grab a fresh croissant and specialty coffee to fuel your adventures ahead.
Easy to find in Almaty city center.
KZT1500, 1 Hour

8:30 AM

Ascend to Kok-Tobe Hill

Take the cable car to Kok-Tobe, where panoramic views of Almaty await.
Taxi to cable car station, around 15 minutes.
KZT1000 (cable car fee), 2 Hours

10:30 AM

Visit the Falcon Farm

Enjoy a unique experience at the Falcon Farm where you can witness some amazing displays.
Located at the top of Kok-Tobe, within walking distance.
KZT2000, 1 Hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Almaty Town

Try traditional dishes at a local eatery, like borscht and manty.
Travel back to Almaty center by taxi.
KZT3000, 1 Hour

1:30 PM

Visit Ascension Cathedral and Museum

Explore the two remarkable structures, especially the highly decorated cathedral.
Located near Panfilov Park, accessible by walking.
Free, 1.5 Hours

3:30 PM

Explore Medoey

A lovely green area perfect for walking and relaxing amidst traditional homes.
Take a 15-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 Hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Cafe Fuego

Indulge in a delicious mix of Mediterranean and local cuisine.
Short taxi ride back to city center.
KZT4000, 1.5 Hours
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Day 3: Charyn Canyon Excursion

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at your hotel since you will need energy for a day of adventure.
Depends on hotel location.
Included in stay, 1 Hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Set off early for the impressive Charyn Canyon, one of the most stunning landscapes in Kazakhstan.
A 3-hour drive from Almaty; follow the A3 highway.
Fuel costs (approx. KZT5000), 3 Hours

11:30 AM

Hike the Canyon

Explore the breathtaking vistas and unique rock formations of Charyn Canyon.
Access through the main park entrance.
KZT1000, 2 Hours

1:30 PM

Lunch picnic at the Canyon

Enjoy a packed lunch amid the dramatic scenery. Recommended to pack sandwiches and fruits.
Located within the park area.
KZT2000 (for picnic supplies), 1 Hour

3:00 PM

Explore further trails

Continue exploration by following more trails around the area for stunning photo opportunities.
Self-guided experience once in the Canyon.
Free, 2 Hours

5:00 PM

Drive back to Almaty

Conclude your day trip by heading back to Almaty.
Reverse the route taken earlier.
Fuel costs (approx. KZT5000), 3 Hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Furseki

Finish the day with a comforting meal at a local favourite known for its authentic dishes.
Located in Almaty center.
KZT3500, 1.5 Hours
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Day 4: Adventure at Altyn Emel

Altyn Emel National Park, Kazakhstan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, ensuring you're well-fueled for another day of exploration.
Depends on hotel location.
Included in stay, 1 Hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Altyn Emel National Park

Set out for a memorable experience in the vast Altyn Emel National Park.
It's about a 3.5-hour drive via the A3 highway.
Fuel costs (approx. KZT7000), 3.5 Hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Singing Dunes

Marvel at the natural phenomenon of Singing Dunes where you can hear the sands 'sing' as you walk.
Located within the park; follow park signs.
KZT1000 (entrance fee), 1 Hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at the Park Canteen

Savor some local cuisine at the park's canteen, including fresh bread and meat dishes.
Close to the Singing Dunes area.
KZT2500, 1 Hour

2:00 PM

Explore the Tamgaly Tas Petroglyphs

Discover ancient petroglyphs at the UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and culture.
Driving distance within the park; follow signs.
KZT2000, 2.5 Hours

4:30 PM

Drive back towards Almaty

Start your journey back towards Almaty after a fulfilling day in nature.
On the same route as earlier.
Fuel costs (approx. KZT7000), 3.5 Hours

8:30 PM

Dinner at Zharma Restaurant

Delight your senses with tantalizing shashlik and local beverages.
Located in Almaty city center.
KZT4000, 1.5 Hours
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Day 5: Medeu & Shymbulak

Almaty, Kazakhstan

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Panino

Fuel up with delicious breakfast sandwiches and smoothies.
A short taxi ride from the city center.
KZT2000, 1 Hour

8:30 AM

Visit Medeu Skating Rink

Enjoy the breathtaking views while visiting the famous Medeu skating rink.
Easy to reach by taxi from Panino.
KZT500 (entrance fee), 1 Hour

9:30 AM

Explore Shymbulak Ski Resort

Experience the beautiful scenery or engage in outdoor activities like hiking in the summer.
Take the cable car from Medeu to Shymbulak.
KZT3500 (cable car fee), 3 Hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Shymbulak Restaurant

Enjoy a warm meal overlooking the mountains, perfect for refueling after your hike.
Located at the top of the cable car at Shymbulak.
KZT3000, 1.5 Hours

2:00 PM

Leisure time at Shymbulak

Take time to relax and absorb the natural beauty around you.
Enjoy the leisure space at the resort.
Free, 2 Hours

4:00 PM

Return to Almaty

Take the cable car back and drive back to Almaty.
Reverse the route taken earlier.
Included in earlier fare, 1 Hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Pasta Bar

Savor a delicious meal featuring your favorite pasta dishes to end the trip.
Located in Almaty city center.
KZT4000, 1.5 Hours
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